Wrinkle in Time, A, is a classic novel for children written by the American author Madeleine L’Engle. It was published in 1962 and won the 1963 Newbery Medal. The Newbery Medal is awarded annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
A Wrinkle in Time is a blend of fantasy, science fiction, and fairy tale. The central character is Meg Murry, a high school student interested in science. Her father is a scientist working on a mysterious project. He is being held prisoner on the planet Camazotz by an evil force called the Dark Thing, which takes the form of a dark cloud. The Dark Thing is threatening the security of the entire universe. Meg attempts to rescue her father by traveling through time and space with her 5-year-old genius brother Charles Wallace and her high school friend Calvin O’Keefe. Meg is assisted by three heavenly beings named Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Which, and Mrs. Who.
Camazotz is in the power of a giant brain called IT, which has reduced the planet’s population to mindless followers. Eventually, IT gains control of Charles Wallace. However, Meg is able to release him through the power of love, a force only she possesses on the planet. Meg and Charles Wallace are finally reunited with their father on Earth.
L’Engle was a devout Christian, and a central theme of A Wrinkle in Time is the battle between good and evil. Good is represented by light, individuality, and love. Evil is symbolized by the reduction of people to unthinking, unfeeling robotlike creatures.
A Wrinkle in Time is the first volume in L’Engle’s five-novel “Time Fantasy” series. The other books in the series are A Wind in the Door (1973), A Swiftly Tilting Planet (1978), Many Waters (1986), and An Acceptable Time (1989).
See also L’Engle, Madeleine; Newbery Medal.
